After testing positive for the BRCA gene in 2011, oncology nurse Kelly Boling at Research Medical Center – like Angelina Jolie - underwent a mastectomy and had her ovaries removed – a move that her doctor...

Peritoneal Dialysis

Definition

Dialysis is a treatment that takes over the job of your kidneys if they
fail. The kidneys have many functions that help your body stay healthy. They help clear toxins out of your blood and help your body balance salt levels. Most patients begin dialysis when their kidneys have lost 85%-90% of their ability. You may be on dialysis for a short time, or you may need it for the rest of your life or until you receive a kidney transplant.

If you have kidneys that are not working and the damage is not reversible, you have
end-stage renal disease
(ESRD). ESRD is caused by conditions such as diabetes,
kidney cancer, drug use,
high blood pressure, or other kidney problems. Dialysis is not a cure for ESRD, but it does help you feel better and live longer.

There are two types of dialysis:
hemodialysis
and
peritoneal dialysis. This fact sheet will focus on peritoneal dialysis.

Reasons for Procedure

The main functions of peritoneal dialysis are to:

Remove waste and excess fluid from your blood

Control blood pressure

Keep a safe level of salts in the body, such as potassium, sodium, and chloride

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have peritoneal dialysis, your doctor will review a list of possible complications. These may include:

Diverticulitis—an infection of a pouch that forms in the wall of the large intestine

Abdominal defects

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Before the first treatment, a small, soft tube about 24 inches long will be placed in the abdomen. This tube will remain there permanently. A portion of the tube remains outside the body for use in the process. It is important to keep this access clean and dry to prevent infection.

Description of the Procedure

Peritoneal dialysis can often be done at home.

The abdominal lining is called the peritoneal membrane. It is used to filter blood. A cleansing solution, called a dialysate, is inserted into your abdominal cavity through a tube. Fluid, wastes, and chemicals pass from the tiny blood vessels in the peritoneal membrane into the dialysate. The dialysate is drained after several hours. New dialysate can be added to repeat the process.

There are three types of peritoneal dialysis:

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)—This is the most common type of peritoneal dialysis. A bag of dialysate is infused into the abdomen through a tube called a catheter. It remains there for 3-6 hours and is drained. The abdomen is refilled with fresh solution. This way, your blood is always being cleaned.

Continuous cyclical peritoneal dialysis (CCPD)—Infusing and refilling the abdomen with dialysate is done by machine. It is done at night while you are sleeping.

Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD)—This uses the same type of machine as CCPD. It requires assistance and is usually done at a hospital or center. It often takes longer than CCPD.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.